Wall anchor assemblies and related wall mount systems

ABSTRACT

An anchor assembly for hanging an object on a wall includes a first anchor component and a second anchor component. The second anchor component is pivotably associated with the first anchor component for movement between an anchoring orientation and a non-anchoring orientation to enable staged installation of the anchor assembly into a wall. At least one wall penetrating retainer extends from each of the first and second anchor components. When the second anchor component is in the anchoring orientation a curved configuration of the wall penetrating extent of the retainer of the second anchor component opposes a curved configuration of the wall penetrating extent of the retainer of the first anchor component to form a jaw-type arrangement.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates generally to wall anchors and related systems,methods and components.

BACKGROUND

Numerous products exist for installing a hook or hanging device onto awall, such as for hanging a picture frame, a mirror, or the like.Conventional nails and screws are not always convenient solutions andmay not provide sufficient support strength in the wall, particularly inthe case of drywall, or other friable wallboards, which are relativelyweak.

Anchors incorporating curved saber tooth shaped retainers are known fromU.S. Pat. Nos. 8,974,166 and 8,414,239. However, such anchors are stilldifficult for the typical homeowner to install and use properly becausea hammer is generally needed to complete the anchor installation. Theseanchors also generally have a large wall penetration that tends tocrumble and weaken the surrounding wall media adjacent the penetrationand leave a large hole that is not easily repaired. It is alsoimpractical to reposition these types of anchors after initial insertionin locations proximate the original hole for the purpose of making minorposition adjustments. Moreover traditional anchors with simple hooks arenot suited to mount a wide variety of objects in a secure manner.

It would be desirable to provide an anchor device and relatedinstallation method that facilitates ease of installation, but at thesame time results in an anchor with a high support strength and lessdamage to the wallboard, leaving relatively small holes upon anchorremoval and therefore also permitting minor position adjustments ifneeded. To provide these advantages in connection with an anchor thatinstalls without reference to stud or other supporting structurelocation and/or without concern for wires or pipes behind the wall,would also be beneficial. In addition, providing an anchor assembly thatprovides a mounting system with enhanced resistance to loadingperpendicular to the wall surface in order to secure numerous types ofsecondary components such as a shelf, towelbar, coat rack or similardevices, all of which generate cantilever loading on the anchor, wouldbe desirable.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, an anchor assembly for hanging an object on a wallincludes a first anchor component and a second anchor component. Thefirst anchor component includes a first base having front and backsides, at least one wall penetrating retainer extends from the firstbase and includes a wall penetrating extent that protrudes rearwardly ofthe first base and has a curved configuration. The second anchorcomponent includes a second base having front and back sides. The secondanchor component is pivotably associated with the first anchor componentfor movement between an anchoring orientation and a non-anchoringorientation to enable staged installation of the anchor assembly into awall. At least one wall penetrating retainer extends from the secondbase and includes a wall penetrating extent that protrudes rearwardly ofthe second base and has a curved configuration. When the second anchorcomponent is in the anchoring orientation the curved configuration ofthe wall penetrating extent of the second anchor component opposes thecurved configuration of the wall penetrating extent of the first anchorcomponent to form a jaw-type arrangement.

In another aspect, an anchor assembly for hanging an object on a wallincludes a first anchor component and a second anchor component. Thefirst anchor component includes a first base having front, back, top,bottom, left and right sides, at least one wall penetrating retainerextends from the first base and includes a wall penetrating extent thatprotrudes rearwardly of the first base and has a curved configuration.The second anchor component includes a second base having front, back,top, bottom, left and right sides, the second anchor component pivotablyassociated with the first anchor component for movement between ananchoring orientation and a non-anchoring orientation. In the anchoringorientation the second anchor component is positioned at least partly infront of the first anchor component. The second anchor componentincludes at least one wall penetrating retainer extending from thesecond base and includes a wall penetrating extent that protrudesrearwardly of the second base and has a curved configuration. When thesecond anchor component is in the anchoring orientation the curvedconfiguration of the wall penetrating extent of the second anchorcomponent opposes the curved configuration of the wall penetratingextent of the first anchor component to form a jaw-type arrangement.

In another aspect, a member adapted for installation on a wall mountedanchor assembly includes a wall facing side including a mount bracketdefining a mount channel with an open bottom side. The mount channelincludes (i) a pair of laterally spaced apart surfaces that anglerearwardly when moving vertically downward and/or (ii) a pair oflaterally spaced surfaces that angle toward each other when movingvertically upward.

In another aspect, a template system for positioning multiple anchorassemblies on a wall includes an elongated template unit including atleast two spaced apart openings, each opening having at least one edgeportion configured for engaging a portion of an anchor assembly todefine an install position for the anchor assembly.

In another aspect, a method of mounting first and second members on awall involves: utilizing first and second template units, the firsttemplate unit having a profile shape substantially the same as a profileshape of the first member, the first template unit having at least oneopening that defines at least a first wall anchor install location, thefirst template unit includes a wall side with one or more adhesiveregions to enable the first template unit to be releasable mounted onthe wall, the second template unit having a profile shape substantiallythe same as a profile shape of the second member, the second templateunit having at least one opening that defines at least a first wallanchor install location, the second template unit includes a wall sidewith one or more adhesive regions to enable the second template unit tobe releasable mounted on the wall; adhesively mounting the firsttemplate unit on the wall at a first potential location for mount of thefirst member; adhesively mounting the second template unit on the wallat a second potential location for mount of the second member; viewing arelative location and orientation of each of the first template unit andthe second template unit at a distance from the wall to evaluate whetherthe relative location and orientation is desired.

The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanyingdrawings and the description below. Other features, objects, andadvantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and fromthe claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1B show front and rear perspectives of an anchor assembly;

FIGS. 2A-2B show front and rear perspectives of the anchor assembly in anon-anchoring orientation;

FIGS. 3A and 3B show front elevation and top plan views of the anchorassembly of FIG. 1A;

FIGS. 4A-4C show an install sequence of the anchor assembly of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 4D shows one arrangement of a retainer distal end after install;

FIGS. 5A-5C show another embodiment of an anchor assembly;

FIG. 6 shows a side elevation of a retainer of the anchor assembly ofFIG. 1A;

FIG. 7 shows an end elevation of the retainer of FIG. 6;

FIGS. 8-14 show on embodiment of a hook member mountable on the anchorassembly of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 15 shows another embodiment of a hook member mountable on theanchor assembly of FIG. 1A;

FIGS. 16A and 16B show one embodiment of a shelf member mountable on theanchor assembly of FIG. 1A;

FIGS. 17A-17C show one embodiment of a bracket mountable to the shelfmember;

FIG. 18 shows a perspective view a hinge connection variation;

FIGS. 19A-19C show another embodiment of an anchor assembly;

FIG. 20 shows an embodiment of a hook member mountable to the anchorassembly of FIG. 19A;

FIG. 21 shows another embodiment of an anchor assembly;

FIGS. 22-25 show another embodiment of an anchor assembly;

FIGS. 26-29 show another embodiment of an anchor assembly;

FIGS. 30-35 show another embodiment of an anchor assembly;

FIGS. 36A-36C show an install sequence of the anchor assembly of FIG.30;

FIGS. 37-38 show a mountable component having a rear side multipleanchor engaging assemblies;

FIGS. 39-40 show an exemplary template system for use with anchorinstallation; and

FIGS. 41-42 show another embodiment of an anchor assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the drawings and description of various anchor embodiments below, theterm wallboard is generally used to refer to the most common wallboardsuch as drywall, but it is recognized that the anchor components couldbe suitable for any other friable wallboard material, such as densecorks or foams or other materials that can crumble. Accordingly, theterm wallboard as used herein is intended to broadly encompass, forexample, both typical drywall (aka plasterboard and gypsum board) andsuch other friable wallboard materials.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, an anchor assembly 10 is shown. The anchorassembly 10 includes a pair of anchor components 11 and 13 pivotablyengaged with each other so that anchor component 13 can move between ananchoring orientation (e.g., FIGS. 1A, 1B and 4C) and a non-anchoringorientation (e.g., FIGS. 2A, 2B and 4A) relative to anchor component 11.Anchor component 11 includes a base 14 having front 16, back 18, top 20,bottom 22, left 24 and right 26 sides. In the illustrated configurationthe base 14 is formed by a base plate (e.g., metal plate), the frontside 16 and back side 18 are formed by the substantially planar frontand rear surfaces of the base plate, and the top side 20, bottom side22, left side 24 and right side 26 are formed by respective edges of thebase plate. However, it is recognized that different configurations forthe base 14 are possible as will be evident from other embodimentsdescribed below. One or more wall penetrating retainers 28 (in theillustrated case a pair of spaced apart retainers) extend from the base14, each retainer having a corresponding wall penetrating extent 29 witha primarily downwardly curved configuration as will be described ingreater detail below.

Anchor component 13 includes a base 114 with front 116, back 118, top120, bottom 122, left 124 and right 126 sides. As used herein thereferences front, back, top, bottom, left and right sides in relation tothe anchor component 13 refer to portions of the anchor component 13when in its anchoring orientation. In the illustrated embodiment base114 is also formed by a base plate, which may be referred to as theouter plate in the context of the overall anchor assembly. Anchorcomponent 13 is pivotably connected to the anchor component 11 (e.g., byway of a hinge connection 70 toward the top of the base plate and thetop of the outer plate). The plates may, by way of example, be metalplates such as spring steel, but variations are possible. Likewise,bases that are not of plate construction are contemplated. The hingeconnection 70 enables the anchor component 13 to move between theanchoring orientation (e.g., FIGS. 1A and 1B) relative to the anchorcomponent 11 and a non-anchoring orientation (e.g., FIGS. 2A and 2B)relative to the anchor component 11.

The illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1-4 shows the hinge connection 70between the outer plate and the base plate as a closed hinge connection(i.e., one in which the hinge is configured to prevent the two piecesfrom being readily separated). The hinge connection 70 is formed by ahinge loop 74 formed by looped material of the base plate 14, where thehinge loop 74 captures a hinge pin 76 formed by a strip of the baseplate 114 that bounds one side of an opening 78 in the base plate 114.Notably, the bottom portion 80 of the hinge loop 74 is formed as a flat(with little or no curve), which facilitates formation by progressivestamping. Of course, alternative embodiments for hinge connections arepossible. For example, referring to FIGS. 5A-5 c, an anchor assembly 10Ais shown in which a base plate 14A and an outer plate 114A with an openhinge connection 70A achieved by an downwardly turned lip 150 at the topof the base plate to form a seating groove 152 into which the top edgeof the outer plate 114A may be positioned as shown. The groove 152provides a stable pivot surface to facilitate pivot of the outer plate114A relative to the base plate 14A during anchor installation (as willbe described in more detail below relative the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4),while at the same time enabling the outer plate 114A to be removed fromthe base plate 14A by pulling the outer plate 114A downward and out ofthe groove 152. In this open hinge configuration, the orientation shownin FIG. 5A represents the anchoring orientation of the anchor assembly10A.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-4, in the anchoring orientation, the backside 118 of the outer plate 114 is positioned alongside and forward ofthe front side 16 of the base plate 14 to cover a significant portion ofthe base plate 14, and one or more wallboard penetrating retainers 128that extend from the base plate 114 each have a wall penetrating extent129 the protrudes rearwardly of the base plate 114 and has an upwardlycurved configuration that opposes the downwardly curved configuration ofretainers 28 in a bite-like formation. In the non-anchoring orientationthe anchor component 13 is pivoted above and/or forward of the baseplate 14.

In this regard, in some embodiments the hinge connection between the twocomponents may include a useful install feature. Specifically, as bestseen in FIG. 18 the hinge cylinder 201 may include an upper portion 202and a lower portion 204, where upper portion 202 is more narrow thanlower portion 204. The hinge ring 206 is sized to easily move along theupper portion 202 without any interference, but has some interferencewith the edges of the lower portion 204 so that when the forward anchorcomponent is raised into the non-anchoring position, the forward anchorcomponent will remain in the raised position of its own accord (e.g.,the force of gravity alone will not be enough to cause the forwardanchor component to rotate downward). This is an advantageous featurebecause the forward anchor component is thereby held out of the way ofthe user during the first stage of anchor install. It is recognized thatother types of structures (e.g., detents, varying thicknesses etc.)could be incorporated to enable such a feature.

Referring again to anchor assembly 10, although the number of wallboardpenetrating retainers can vary, in the illustrated embodiment twowallboard penetrating retainers 28 extend from the base plate 14, andtwo wallboard penetrating retainers 128 extend from the outer plate 114.Notably, the two wallboard penetrating retainers 28 are laterally spacedapart by a distance D1 and the two wallboard penetrating retainers 128are laterally spaced apart by a distance D2, where D2 is smaller thanD1. Thus, as viewed from the top plan view of FIG. 3B, the wallboardpenetrating retainers 128 are positioned laterally between (thoughvertically offset from) the wallboard penetrating retainers 28 when theanchor component 13 is in the anchoring orientation. In an alternativevariation the distance D2 between retainers 128 could be larger than thedistance D1 between retainers 28, so that, as viewed from the top planview, the wallboard penetrating retainers 28 would be positionedlaterally between (though vertically offset from) the wallboardpenetrating retainers 128 when the anchor component 13 is in theanchoring orientation.

As shown, the back side 118 of the outer plate 114 may at least in partabut and/or seat against the front side 16 or other part of the baseplate 14 when the anchor component 13 is in the anchoring orientation.This arrangement provides for stability of the overall anchor assemblyand enables a user to readily recognize when the anchor assembly isfully installed. Such contact may be achieved be engaged planarsurfaces, or one or more discrete contact points of contact between theback of the outer plate and the base plate, and in some cases very smallcontact points or area could be provided between the two. In otherarrangements some contact points between the outer plate 114 and thewall surface 12A could be provided for stability.

In the illustrated embodiment, the wallboard penetrating retainers 128of the outer plate 114 pass below the bottom side or edge of the baseplate 14 when the anchor component 13 is in the anchoring orientation.However, it is recognized that other variations are possible, such asthe inclusion of one or more openings in the base plate 14 through whichthe retainers 128 extend when the anchor component 13 is moved to theanchoring orientation, or such as the retainers 128 passing around theleft and right sides of the base plate 14 (as suggested by the anchor10E shown in FIGS. 30-35).

The basic two anchor component arrangement provides for an advantageousand user friendly method for installation. In particular, referring toFIGS. 4A-4C, a method of installing the anchor assembly 10 includesplacing the bottom side 20 of the base plate 14 adjacent a front surface12A of the wallboard 12 with a distal end of the wallboard penetratingretainers 28 in contact with the front surface 12A and with the outerplate 114 in a non-anchoring orientation as shown in FIG. 4A. Pressure Pis applied to the base plate 14 (preferably by the user's thumbs, butalternately a tool could be used) to rotate the wallboard penetratingextents 29 of the retainers 28 into the wallboard until the back side 16of the base plate 14 seats against the front surface 12A of thewallboard as shown in FIG. 4B. Next, the anchor component 13 is pivoteddownward, per arrow 72, until a distal end of the wallboard penetratingretainers 128 of the outer plate 114 comes into contact with the frontsurface of the wallboard. Pressure can then be applied to the outerplate 114 to rotate the wallboard penetrating extents 129 of theretainers 128 into the wallboard (in a similar manner to that describedabove) until the anchor component 13 achieves the anchoring orientationand final install position shown in FIG. 4C. This two stage method ofretainer penetration results in an anchor assembly with a suitablenumber of retainers to hold larger weights without requiring excessiveforces to move the retainers into the wall. The final install positionresults in a jaw-type gripping action of the anchor assembly into thewall, with retainers 28 and 128 curving toward each other. The grippingaction supports high hanging loads and loads with a moment component,such as a shelf loads, towel bars, coatracks etc. that can be supportedon the anchor assembly.

Notably, as mentioned above, the wallboard penetrating extents 29 of theretainers 28 have a primarily downwardly curved configuration and thewall penetrating extents 129 of the retainers 128 have a primarilyupwardly curved configuration when anchor component 13 is in theanchoring orientation. In this regard, the wallboard penetrating extents29 and 129 are both preferably arcuate. In such implementations, theradius of curvature R₂₈ defined of the arcuate extents 29 may have acenter point 34 that is proximate the bottom side of the base plate 14.In particular, the center point 34 of the radius of curvature R₂₈ maydesirably be positioned at a rear, bottom corner of the base plate wherethe bottom side of the base plate meets the back side of the base plateas shown. This geometry minimizes the energy and force required toinsert the retainers 28, minimizes damage to the wall and results insmall wall surface perforations when the anchor is removed. For similarreasons, the wallboard penetrating retainers 128 may have a radius ofcurvature R₁₂₈ with a center point 134 substantially aligned with thepivot axis of the hinge connection 70, though this pivot axis may moveslightly due to play in the hinge. This pivot axis runs substantiallyparallel to a wall mount plane 41 of the base 14, where plane 41 isdefined by one or more portions of the back side of the base 14 thatwill seat against the front wall surface 12A upon install of the anchorassembly.

In one implementation, each radius of curvature R₂₈ and R₁₂₈ may bebetween about 1.20 inches and about 1.45 inches. However, in the anchorassembly 10 the radius of curvature R₁₂₈ will be slightly smaller thanthe radius of curvature R₂₈, resulting in the wall penetrating extents129 of retainers 128 passing into and within the wall 128 at a slightlymore aggressive angle than the extents 29 of retainers 28, as seen inFIG. 4C.

Where the retainers 128 on the outer plate 114 are the same size as theretainers 28 on base plate 14, when the outer plate is in the anchoringorientation, a spacing between the back side or wall mount plane 41 ofthe base plate 14 and a distal end of the wallboard penetratingretainers 28 will be slightly greater than a spacing between the backside of the base plate 14 and a distal end of the wallboard penetratingretainers 128. However, other variations are possible, such as whereretainers 128 are slightly longer than retainers 28 so that the distalends of both the retainers 28 and 128 end up at substantially the samedepth (measured perpendicular to wall surface 12A) in the wall 12, aswill described in more detail below.

Referring now primarily to FIG. 4C, in the illustrated embodiment, eachwall penetrating retainer 28 and 128 departs its respective base with aninitial forward progression reflected by angles Θ1 and Θ2 and then turnsback (e.g., with the illustrated relatively sharp curve) to define arearward and downward progression along the wall penetrating extent 29and a rearward and upward progression along the extent 129 (e.g., havinga primary arcuate shape as described above). By way of example, angle Θ1and Θ2 (e.g., taken relative to a plane parallel to the wall mount planeat the back side of the base 14) may be between about 1 degree and about30 degrees (such as between about 10 degrees and about 20 degrees orbetween about 15 degrees and about 25 degrees), though variations arepossible. The initial forward progression can be achieved by a slightforward bend in the entire top edge of the base 14 or bottom edge of thebase 114, or can be achieved by having only the retainers bend forwardas they leave the top edge of the base plate. The initial portion ofeach retainer 28 and 129 may also be flared as it leaves its respectivebase. This forward progression feature is advantageous because itprovides clearance for a generous bend retainer radius at the junctureof the retainer and the base plate to prevent stress cracking at thispoint of maximum bending load while assuring that when fully insertedthe rear side of the base plate can land flush with the wall. In thisregard, the initial portion of each wall penetrating retainer 28, 128that is forward of the back side of the respective base 14, 114 curvesforward and then curves rearward as shown, and a radius of curvature atevery point along the initial portion may be no less than 100% (e.g., noless than 125%) of the plate thickness. The wall penetrating extent 29,129 of each retainer extends generally from the wall mount plane 41 tothe distal end of the retainer.

Notably, the initial forward progression feature described above alsodisplaces or offsets the retainers 28 from the base 14 and the retainers128 from the base 114. In fact, in the illustrated embodiment althoughthe wall penetrating extents 29 and 129 are located rearward of the base14 (when anchor component 13 is in the anchoring orientation), theextents 29 and 129 are not located directly behind the base 14, whichaids in pull-out retention.

In order to facilitate anchor installation, the wall penetratingretainers 28 and 128 can also be configured with other advantageousfeatures.

For example, to facilitate manual wallboard penetration and passagewithout tools, utilizing thumb force only (e.g., applied at the thumbcapture zones), the wallboard penetrating retainers 28 and 128 may beformed with a relatively smooth external surface finish (e.g., achievedby polishing, painting or plating). In this regard, the surface of thewallboard penetrating retainers 28 and 128 can be manufactured with ormodified to a maximum average surface roughness of about 20 μinch (e.g.,in some cases n a maximum average surface roughness of about 15 μinch).In one implementation, just the wallboard penetrating extent of each ofthe wallboard penetrating retainers is worked, processed or otherwiseformed to achieve this desired low surface roughness feature in order toreduce manufacturing cost. The latter implementation would reduceinstall force but maintain friction on the rougher portions of thepenetrating retainer to resist removal forces. The retainers may have apolished surface finish and/or a plated surface finish and/or a paintedfinish and/or a lubricant (e.g., Teflon) incorporated into the surfacefinish.

The distal ends of the retainers 28 and 128 may also be configured tofacilitate installation. In this regard, and referring to FIGS. 6 and 7,the distal end 28′ of each wallboard penetrating retainer 28 includes apointed tip that is shaped to provide a point 36 when viewed incross-section taken along a vertical plane running along a length of thewallboard penetrating retainer, where the point 36 is defined by a bevel38 at a bottom side of the distal end of the wallboard penetratingretainer. In particular, in the illustrated side elevation it is seenthat the wall penetrating extent 29 includes a concave curved surface 43separated form a convex curved surface 45, and lateral an opposed sidesurfaces 47 that are substantially planar and that extend between theconvex curved surface and the concave curved surface. The bevel 36extends from the concave surface 43 toward the point 36 and little or nobevel extends from the convex surface 45 toward the point 36, to therebyplace the point 36 closer to the convex surface of the wall penetratingextent. This type of beveled point is advantageous because theapplicants have discovered that including a bevel at the top side of thewallboard penetrating retainer disadvantageously creates a reactionforce with the wallboard material that tends to cause the bottom side ofthe base plate to be pivoted out away from the front surface of thewallboard. Side bevels 49 may also be optionally incorporated to achievethe point 36 as shown. In one implementation, a lateral width W₃₆ of thepoint is no more than 35% of a lateral width W₂₉ of a major portion ofthe wall penetrating extent, and a thickness T₃₆ of the point is no morethan about 40% of a thickness T₂₉ of the major portion of the wallpenetrating extent. The above-described configuration may also beapplied to the retainers 128.

Proper sizing of the wallboard penetrating retainer(s) can also be usedto achieve more user friendly performance of an anchor. In particular,and referring again to FIG. 4C, it is seen that in some implementationswhen the anchor assembly 10 is installed at the front surface of a wall,the distal ends of the wallboard penetrating retainers 28 and 128 may bepositioned proximate to a wallboard rear surface 12B without passingthrough the rear surface. Referring to FIG. 4D, in some arrangements ofthis type, the distal end 28′ of the wallboard penetrating retaineractually contacts an internal side 42 of the paper layer 44 that definesthe rear surface of the wallboard but, again, does not pass through thepaper layer 44. The distal end of the wallboard penetrating retainer mayeven cause a localized rearward protrusion 46 in the paper layer 44 at apoint of contact with the paper layer but, again, without passingthrough the paper layer 44. Arrangements of this type, in which thewallboard penetrating retainer is in contact with or proximate the paperlayer 44 defining the rear surface 12B without passing through thatpaper layer are advantageous in that applicants have discovered that itcan take five pounds or more of additional force to install an anchor ifthe distal ends of the retainers must pass through rear paper layer 44in order to achieve final anchor seating position. For the generalconsumer/home/residential application, the majority of drywall is ½ inchthick, and therefore the retainers can be sized with this in mind. Insuch cases, a perpendicular distance D29 of the wall penetrating extent29 between the wall mount plane 41 and the point at the distal end ofthe wall penetrating retainer can be no more than 0.50 inches (e.g.,between about 0.44 inches and about 0.50 inches for assuring that whenthe anchor is installed on a wallboard that is ½ inch thick the wallpenetrating retainer will approach but not pass through a back side ofthe wallboard). Of course, in some embodiments the retainers could belonger and pierce the back paper layer of the wallboard. Again, theabove-described configuration may also be applicable to the retainers128 when the anchor assembly 10 is installed with anchor component 13 inits anchoring orientation.

Generally, by properly selecting the cross-sectional size and number ofwall penetrating retainers used on each anchor component and/or byincorporating one or more of the above wall penetrating retainerfeatures, each anchor component can be manually inserted into type Xgypsum wallboard (with physical characteristics per the ASTMC1396—Standard Specification For Gypsum Board) by positioning the bottom(or distal) side adjacent the wallboard and rotating the anchor upwardto move the wallboard penetrating member into the wallboard with a forceP (FIG. 4A) of no more than 15 pounds per retainer normal to the baseplate at the retainer location when the distal ends of the retainers donot penetrate the rear side of the wallboard per design. Measurement ofthe level of insertion force required can be achieve utilizing a forcegage mounted to a rotating fixture so that the measured pressure orforce “P” is always proximate to the penetrating retainer(s) and normalto the base plate at the retainer location, with a rotationalinstallation time of about 2.0 seconds where the starting point ofrotation is with the distal end(s) of the retainer(s) against thewallboard and the ending point of rotation corresponds to final seatingof the anchor. In anchor embodiments having a single retainer(contemplated below), the installation force to final seating of theanchor should typically be 15 pounds total or less. In anchorembodiments having two retainers, the total installation force to finalseating of the anchor should typically be 30 pounds total or less. Ineither case, the required total level of force can advantageously beachieved without the use of tools.

In one example, such low insertion forces for the retainer(s) of a givenanchor may be achieved where the retainers have pointed distal ends asdescribed above and a generally uniform cross-section along theremainder of the wall penetrating extent of the retainer, where an areaof the cross-section is no more than about 2.5 mm². In one example, inthe case retainers of rectangular cross-section as suggested in anchor10, the main segment of the wall penetrating extent of each retainer maybe on the order of 0.042 inches by 0.068 inches (e.g., 0.042 inchesthick and 0.068 inches wide), resulting in a cross-sectional area ofabout 0.00286 in² (about 1.845 mm²). In another example, the mainsegment of the wall penetrating extent may have a rectangularcross-section on the order of 0.050 inches by 0.075 inches (e.g., 0.050inches thick and 0.075 inches wide), resulting in a cross-sectional areaof about 0.00375 in² (about 2.419 mm²). Regardless of whether one ormultiple retainers are used, it may be advantageous (e.g., for thepurpose of ease of install and/or for the purpose of limiting walldamage) to assure that the total retainer cross-sectional area (e.g.,the cross-sectional area of one retainer if only one is used or thetotal cross-sectional area of two retainers if two retainers are used)is no more than about 5 mm² (about 0.008 square inches, or in some casesno more than about 6 mm²), where the cross-section of each wallpenetrating extent of the retainer is taken perpendicularly to alengthwise axis 292 (FIG. 6) of the retainer (which axis is curved likethe retainer) and is taken at any location along a length of the wallpenetrating extent 29 that will embed within a wall (e.g., across-section in any of planes 294, 296 or 298). This arrangementfacilitates installation and reduced wall hole size that must berepaired after anchor removal.

Referring primarily to FIGS. 1A, 3A, 3B and 4B, the base plate 14includes side flanges 160 that are offset from the wall mount plane 41(e.g., which position may be achieved by suitable bends in the baseplate, such as primarily a forward bend 161 and a primarily lateral bend163). The side flanges 160 are angled slightly rearward when moving in avertically downward direction (represented by acute non-zero angle Φ1)such that a spacing S1 of the upper end of the flanges 160 to the wallmount plane 41 of the base 14 is greater than a spacing S2 of the lowerend of the flanges 160 to the wall mount plane (where the spacings runperpendicular from the wall mount plane 41). The flanges 160 may be usedto mount a separate member or component, such as a hook, floating shelfor other structure onto the anchor assembly 10.

Notably, the offset nature of the flanges 160 by way of theaforementioned forward bend may also create a vertical channel 165 (FIG.2A) in base 14, and into which the base 114 moves to attain theanchoring orientation. Moreover, the base 14 includes a visibleindicator 190 in the form of an arrow to aid the user duringinstallation by designating the proper upright orientation of the base14. In the illustrated embodiment the indicator 190 is in the form of acut-out or opening in the plate material, but other forms of suchvisible indicators could be provided.

Referring to FIGS. 8-14, a hook unit 400 is shown and includes a hook402 protruding forwardly from a mount base 404. The rear side of themount base 402 is configured to slidingly engage with the anchorassembly 10 after the anchor assembly 10 has been installed on a wall sothat the anchor assembly 10 supports the hook unit 400 on the wall. Inparticular, the rear side of the mount base 404 includes laterallyspaced apart channels 472 that are configured to align with and slideover the side flanges 160 of the anchor assembly 10. In the illustratedembodiment the channels are formed by bracket structure at the back sideof the mount base 404 that is unitary and monolithic with the back sideof the mount base (e.g., molded as one piece), but it is recognized thata separately formed bracket element could be attached to the back of themount for this purpose as described in more detail below. Referring toFIG. 12, each side channel 472 is formed by a pair of spaced apartchannel walls 410, 412 that are angled in a manner similar to the angleof the side flanges of the anchor assembly. The channel angle Φ2 can beseen in FIG. 14, where the channel orientation is represented by dashedline 473. The sliding interaction of the channels 472 with the sideflanges 160 of the flanges 160 produces a wedging action that pulls themount base toward the wall as reflected by arrow 474 in FIG. 14. In theillustrated embodiment the wedging toward the wall is primarily achievedby rear surface portions on the flanges 160 (e.g., portion 167 shown inFIG. 1B) interacting on forward facing surface portions of the channels472 (e.g., forward facing surface portion 473 of channel wall 412). Inone example, the angle Φ1 of the side flanges of the anchor assembly andangle Φ2 of the side channels of the mount base are substantially thesame, both being between about one degree and about ten degrees (e.g.,between about 3 degrees and about 6 degrees), though variations arepossible. Where the mount base 404 is made of a slightly resilientmaterial (e.g., plastic) the mount base may flex somewhat to accommodatethe wedging action, and to produce a very solid mounting of the mountbase 404 against the wall surface. Even without any give in the mountbase, the wedging action of the mount base against the wall produces astable and reliable hold arrangement of the mount base 404 on the anchorassembly 10. The jaw-type action of the anchor assembly 10 resists thepull-out force caused by this wedging action.

Referring again to FIG. 12, each channel 472 may include a lead in guidewall 414 to help laterally align the mount base 404 with the sideflanges of the anchor assembly as the mount base is engaged downwardlyonto the anchor assembly. A stop wall 416 is provided at the top of eachchannel 472 to engage with the top side of the anchor assembly sideflanges, acting as a limit for the downward engagement of the mount base404 onto the anchor assembly.

As shown in FIG. 3A, and represented by acute non-zero angles Φ3, thelateral edges of the anchor assembly side flanges 160 may also beslightly offset from vertical 180 (in this case the side edgesconverging toward each when moving vertically upward). Each side channel472 at the back side of the mount base 404 is also similarly angled asrepresented by non-zero angles Φ4 shown in FIG. 10. In one example, thelateral angle Φ3 of the side flanges of the anchor assembly and lateralangle Φ4 of the side channels of the mount base are substantially thesame, both being between about one degree and about ten degrees (e.g.,between about 3 degrees and about 6 degrees), though variations arepossible. These cooperating angles enable an additional lateral wedgingaction as the rear channels 472 of a member (such as the hook unit 400)sliding engages downward onto the anchor assembly 10, which furtherincreases the stability of the mounting of the member to the anchorassembly 10. The result is a dual wedging action, with the mountedmember wedging against the front surface of the wall itself and alsowedging laterally onto the flanges.

Referring to FIG. 13, the hook unit 400 (or other member) is simplymoved rearwardly toward the anchor assembly 10 and then slides down overthe anchor assembly 10 after the anchor assembly has been installed in awall (not show) so that the flanges 160 enter the channels at the backof the mount base 404. In an alternative configuration the anchorassembly could be formed with a structure that rotationally interactswith the hook unit (or other member) to achieve the desired wedging ofthe member toward the wall surface.

In the hook unit 400, the hook 402 is formed separately from the mountbase 404 and connected thereto by a fastener 420. However, in otherembodiments the hook and mount base could be formed as a monolithicstructure (e.g., molded as a unit), such as the fashion hook 170 shownin FIG. 15.

Of course, members other than hooks could be mounted to the anchorassembly 10. For example, referring to FIGS. 16A-16B a shelf structure500 is shown in which the back of the shelf includes laterally spacedapart brackets 502 mounted thereto (shown in more detail in FIGS.17A-17C). Each bracket is configured (e.g., having slots or forming suchslots in combination with a recess at the back of the shelf) toslidingly engage the flanges 160 of laterally spaced apart anchorassemblies (not shown) that have been mounted to a wall. In theillustrated arrangement each bracket 502 includes spaced apartrearwardly turned flanges or lips 507 on either side of a mount channel515 of the bracket. The flanges 507 terminate short of the inset side ofthe recess 511 in the back of the shelf so that depthwise slots 509 areformed between the flanges 507 and the recess 511. A wedging actionsimilar to that described above may be achieved with such shelves aswell. In this regard, to facilitate such wedging action and mating withthe side flanges of the anchor assembly, the bracket flanges 507 may beangled toward each other slightly when moving vertically upward as bestseen in FIG. 17A where acute non-zero angle α1 between each flange andthe vertical axis 180 is shown, and the flanges may also be angledrearwardly slightly when moving vertically downward as best depicted inFIG. 17C by acute non-zero angle α2. Note that in the orientation ofFIG. 17C the rearward or back side of the bracket 502 is at the leftside. The brackets 502 are shown as separate structures that areattached to the back of the shelf, but could be unitary and monolithicbrackets similar to that described above with respect to the hook unit400. Moreover, where the brackets are separate elements that areconnected to the shelf, one or both of the mount channel brackets 502may be mounted in a manner that permits some lateral play of the bracket(e.g., represented by arrow 505) to facilitate situations where theanchor assemblies are not installed into the wallboard at a perfectlateral spacing.

Referring now to FIGS. 19A-19C, another embodiment of an anchor assembly10B is shown and includes anchor component 13B pivotably connected toanchor component 11B via a hinged connection 70B. The illustrated hingedconnection 70B is formed by a pair of spaced apart hinge rings 74B onanchor component 13B and a pair of spaced apart hinge pins 76B on anchorcomponent 11B, where each hinge pin 76B is engaged through a respectiveone of the hinge rings 74B. The anchor component 11B is of metal plateconstruction and each hinge pin 76B is formed by a strip of platematerial with a forward bend and then a laterally inward bend. Theanchor component 13B is also of metal plate construction and the hingerings 74B are each formed at the distal end of a respective pivot arm77B, where each pivot arm is formed by a forward bend of a strip ofmaterial that extends from a planar seating portion 15B of the anchorcomponent base. The anchor component 11B also includes side rails 19B,which are also formed by forward bends of the plate material of theanchor component base. As seen in FIGS. 19B and 19C, the side rails 19Bform a vertical channel in the base of the anchor component 11B intowhich the pivot arms 77B of the anchor component 13B move when theanchor component 13B is in its anchoring orientation. The anchorcomponent 11B includes a forwardly protruding hook element 30B thatpasses forwardly into the U-shaped slot formed by spaced apart pivotlegs 77B when anchor component 13B is in its anchoring orientation. Thehook element 30B can be used to support a member on a wall, such as thehook unit 400B shown in FIG. 20, where the back side of the mount base404B of the hook unit is recessed and includes a lateral hook engagingbracket 430B. The hook element 30B may be formed to protrude forwardbeyond the forward edges of the pivot arms 77B, or may alternatively byme more shallow so as to be recesses rearwardly of the forward edges ofthe pivot arms 77B. Where the hook element is recessed, the lateraldimension of the bracket 430B is small enough to fit between the lateralspacing defined by the pivot arms 77B. The hook element 30B may extendboth forwardly and upwardly such that an interaction between the hookelement 30B and the bracket 430B as the hook unit 400B is engageddownward onto the installed anchor assembly 10B pulls the hook unit 400Btoward the wall surface to provide a wedging action.

As mentioned above, other anchor assembly configurations are possible.Although the illustrated base plate and outer plate are contemplated asmonolithic structures (e.g., produced by a progressive formingoperation), the retainers could be formed separately (e.g., of wireform) and then attached to the respective plates. FIG. 21 shows ananchor assembly 10H (with angled side flanges similar to anchor assembly10), where the retainers of the base plates 14H and 114H are initiallyformed as separate components of respective wire form members thatmake-up the retainers. In this case, a wire form member is connected toeach base plate and includes one portion on the front of the respectiveplate and rearward extending retainer portions 28H and 128H that passthrough openings in the respective plate, though individual retainers ofwire could be used and end welded in their respective desired positions.

Referring now to FIGS. 22-25, another anchor assembly 10C is shown. Inthis anchor assembly a clamping feature is incorporated between the baseplate 14C and the outer plate 114C so that when the outer plate isrotated downward over the base plate 14C, the clamping feature pulls theretainers 28C and 128C of the two plates vertically toward each otherjust before the outer plate 114C reaches its final install position. Inparticular, the base plate 14C includes a forward projecting tab 210 andthe outer plate 114C includes an opening 212 that aligns with the tab210. As the outer plate 114C is rotated down over the base plate 14C,the upper edge 214 of the opening 212 contacts an upper portion 216 ofthe tab. The tab and opening are configured and dimensioned such thatthe engagement of the two portions cause a relative, and slight verticalshift between the base plate 14C and outer plate 114C (e.g., the baseplate is urged downward as represented by arrow 220 and the outer plateis urged upward as represented by arrow 222 in FIG. 22). It iscontemplated that the total relative vertical shift between the twoplates will be on the order of between about 1 mm and about 3 mm, butvariations are possible. This vertical shift advantageously causes theanchor assembly 10C to grip the wall even tighter. Notably, the tab 210and opening 212 may also include one or more detent features thatfunction to resist rotation of the outer plate 114C away from the baseplate 14C, further securing the position of the anchor assembly in awall when installed.

It is recognized that other types of structures to achieve the relativevertical shift between the two plates are possible. By way of example,referring to the anchor assembly 10D of FIGS. 26-29, the base plate 14Dincludes a rotatable camming structure 230 that protrudes forward andpasses through an opening 232 in the outer plate 114D when the outerplate achieves the illustrated install position. Rotation of thestructure 230 creates an interaction with an edge portion of opening 232to produce the relative vertical shift. The camming structure 230 mayinclude tool features (e.g., a shape or projections 234) to enable auser to rotate the camming structure 230 for this purpose.

While the embodiments above primarily contemplate anchor assemblyinstall orientations of a vertical type (i.e., where the wallpenetrating retainers curve downward from the base plate and upward fromthe outer plate), it is recognized that anchor assemblies having ahorizontal type install are also possible. By way of example, referringto FIGS. 30-35, an anchor assembly 10E is shown. The anchor assembly 10Eincludes an anchor component 11E with base plate 14E and an anchorcomponent 13E with base or outer plate 114E that have a hingedconnection 70E, which as suggested provides a vertically oriented axisof pivot between the two plates when installed. The retainers 28E and128E of the plates curve laterally (and toward each other—creating alateral bite into the wall 12) when the anchor is installed into thewall. Of note, the axis 261 of the hinge connection 70E is offset awayfrom the wall contacting portion of the base plate (e.g., as reflectedby distance D_(70E) in FIG. 35). This offset makes the pivot angle ofattack less than ninety degrees and improves self-locking due toapplication load. In one example the offset is at least 3 mm (such as atleast 5 mm, or in some cases at least 7 mm) or at least 0.15 inches(such as at least 0.25 inches, or at least 0.40 inches). In oneimplementation, the hinge connection 70E may include a rotation stopfeature 260 as shown. Referring to FIG. 34, the base plate 14E includesa major portion 270 for abutting the wall, and the free end of the baseplate includes an L-shaped flange 272 formed by forwardly protrudingsegment 274 and lateral segment 276. Outer plate 114E includes a majorportion 280 that rotates over the front side of the base plate and intoproximity with the front side of segment 276.

FIGS. 36A-36C show top plan views depicting the sequence of install ofthe anchor assembly 10E into a wall 12 in multiple stages. In stage 1(FIG. 36A) the left side of major portion 270 of the base plate 14E isplaced adjacent the wall surface 12A and the distal end of the retainers28E are placed against the wall surface as shown, and the base plateretainers are rotated into the wall per arrow 300 via application ofpressure PE, resulting in the orientation shown in FIG. 36B. Next, theouter plate 114F is rotated over the top of the base plate per arrow 302so that the distal end of retainers 128E contact the wall surface, andpressure is then applied to move the retainers 128E into the wall toachieve the final install orientation of FIG. 36C. In this embodiment itis contemplated that the center of the radius of curvature of theretainers 28 would be located along the corner of the base plate wheremajor portion 270 and segment 274 meet each other, and the center pointof the radius of curvature of the retainers 128E would be in line withthe pivot axis 261 of the hinge connection. Notably, in the installorientation (e.g., FIG. 36C) a left edge of segment 276 is spaced fromthe wall and a similar right edge segment 277 is spaced from the wall12, creating slots 282 and 284 (FIG. 36C) that can be used for mountingsecondary components to the wall.

In this regard, reference is made to FIGS. 37 and 38 showing a component310 (e.g., shelf, speaker or some other component) having a rear side312 with one or more anchor engaging assemblies 314. In this case twoassemblies 314 are shown and each is formed by a recess 316 in the rearside 312 along with a bracket 318 mounted in the recess. As shown, eachbracket 318 includes oppose lips or flanges 320 (similar to flanges 207mentioned above) forming a mount channel 322 therebetween. The flanges320 are sized and spaced to slide into the slots 282, 284 (FIG. 36C)when the component 310 is slid vertically downward over the installedanchor assembly. The configuration of the brackets 314, lips 320 andslots 282, 284 may be such that the component is pulled or wedged towardthe wall at install. The anchor edge segments 276 and 277 and/or theflanges 207 may be angled (e.g., as mentioned above) to facilitatemating and wedging of the component and anchor assemblies. When thiswedging action occurs, is creates a force μl (FIG. 36C) that tends tourge or rotate the base plate 14E into the wall in the vicinity of theretainers 28E per arrow 330, pinching the opposed retainers 28E and 128Etogether for a tighter grip within the wall. It is recognized that othercomponents, such as hook 170, could readily install on the horizontalanchor assembly 10E as well. Moreover, the flanges 320 (or similarlyflanges 507 discussed above) need not have a rearward turn as shown.Instead, in cases where the entire bracket is generally planar, theinset side of each recess 316 could be angled so that the flangesdefined by the bracket at the lateral edges of the mount channel 322have a rearward angle as a result of the orientation of the mount withthe inset side of the recess.

Notably, in the illustrated embodiment the pivot axis 261 of the outerplate is displaced from the wall and major portion 270 of the base plateas indicated above. This arrangement provides for an install orientationin which the outer plate retainers 128E enter the wall 12 at a moreaggressive angle (relative to the wall surface or wall contactingportions of the base plate) than the base plate retainers 28E as bestseen in FIG. 36C. However, it is recognized that the pivot axis of thehinge connection of the two plates could be at other locations, such ascloser to or on the surface of the major portion 270 of the base plate14E.

In addition to the horizontal type install, it is also recognized thatin some embodiments of the vertical type install it may be desirable tohave the base plate retainers extend rearward and upward and to have theouter plate retainers extend rearward and downward. In such cases theanchor assembly may still include side flanges for mating with secondarycomponents, where such side flanges angle rearwardly when movingvertically downward and angle toward each other when moving verticallyupward.

Although the illustrated embodiments contemplate that members (e.g.,such as hooks and shelves) are secured to an anchor assembly againstremoval by their angular interaction it is recognized that they couldalternately made with non-angular mating features and employ snap orspring features to achieve the secure fit.

In reference to the method of anchor installation, it is also recognizedthat a template system could be employed in furtherance of anchorinstallation and would be particularly useful for installations thatrequire more than one anchor assembly (i.e., where the secondarycomponent mounts to more than one anchor assembly). In this regard, andreferring to FIGS. 39-40 an exemplary template unit 600 is shown andincludes spaced apart anchor receiving slots or other openings 602. Eachslot 602 includes a lower edge or lateral edge or other portionconfigured to cooperate with part of the anchor assembly to define theinstall position for the anchor assembly. In the illustrated embodimentthe template is configured for the anchor assembly 10E of FIGS. 30-31,and therefore a left lateral edge 604 of the slot 602 is used to definethe install position for the anchor assembly (e.g., by placing the leftcorner or edge of the base plate against the edge 604 to set the initialinstall position of FIG. 36A). Then the installation sequence followsthat described above. The template unit 600 may include an adhesivefeature at its wall facing side (e.g., one or more adhesive areascovered by a tape that is removed so that the template unit 600 can betemporarily applied to the wall). The adhesive is sufficient to hold thetemplate unit 600 on the wall 12, while at the same time facilitatingrelatively easy removal of the template unit 600 from the wall. Ofcourse, in some cases the template could remain on the wall. As shown,the template unit 600 could incorporate an integrated level element 606(e.g., a bubble level) so that when the template unit 600 is placed onthe wall a user can assure that the two slots 602 are positioned in amanner that will enable mounting of anchor assemblies at the sameheight, resulting in a corresponding level mount of whatever component(e.g., elongated shelf or speaker) will thereafter be mounted onto theinstalled anchors.

Generally, the spacing between slots 602 would match the spacing betweenthe mount structure at the back of the member to be installed on thewall. While only two slots 602 are shown, more slots could be providedif the component to be mounted is configured for mounting to a greaternumber of anchor assemblies. The template may be formed of any suitabledie-cut material such as paper, cardboard or plastic sheet.

It is further contemplated that complete systems, which can be sold as akit, could include multiple templates for multiple correspondingcomponents to be mounted. For example, where a kit with multiple shelfmembers could include multiple corresponding templates along with thecorresponding number of necessary anchor assemblies. Each template couldgenerally be shaped and sized similar to that of its corresponding shelfso that when the template(s) is/are place on the wall they provide theuser with a good view of what the shelf orientation on the wall will be.

The template system facilitates an install method that enables the enduser to visually perceive and evaluate the desirability of the selectedinstall location on a wall. In particular, a method of mounting firstand second members (e.g., two shelves, or a shelf and a mirror) on awall may involve: utilizing first and second template units, the firsttemplate unit having a profile shape substantially the same as a profileshape of the first member, the first template unit having at least oneopening that defines at least a first wall anchor install location, thefirst template unit includes a wall side with one or more adhesiveregions to enable the first template unit to be releasable mounted onthe wall, the second template unit having a profile shape substantiallythe same as a profile shape of the second member, the second templateunit having at least one opening that defines at least a first wallanchor install location, the second template unit includes a wall sidewith one or more adhesive regions to enable the second template unit tobe releasable mounted on the wall; adhesively mounting the firsttemplate unit on the wall at a first potential location for mount of thefirst member; adhesively mounting the second template unit on the wallat a second potential location for mount of the second member; andviewing a relative location and orientation of each of the firsttemplate unit and the second template unit at a distance from the wallto evaluate whether the relative location and orientation is desired.

If the relative location and orientation is desired, the method furtherinvolves: mounting a first anchor (or anchors) at the first wall anchorinstall location defined by the first template unit; mounting a secondanchor (or anchors) at the second wall anchor install location definedby the second template unit; engaging the first member to the firstanchor such that the first member is mounted on the wall with theprofile of the first member located substantially the same as theprofile of the first template unit; and engaging the second member tothe second anchor such that the second member is mounted on the wallwith the profile of the second member located substantially the same asthe profile of the second template unit. In one example, when the firstmember is engaged with the first anchor the first template unit ismaintained on the wall and covered by the first member, and when thesecond member is engaged with the second anchor the second template unitis maintained on the wall and covered by the second member. In anotherexample, the method involves removing the first template unit from thewall prior to engaging the first member to the first anchor, andremoving the second template unit from the wall prior to engaging thesecond member to the second anchor.

If the relative location and orientation is not desired, the methodfurther involves: repositioning at least one of the first template unitand/or the second template unit and repeating the viewing step until anachieved relative location and orientation is achieved and thereaftercarrying out the anchor mounting and engaging operations:

It is to be clearly understood that the above description is intended byway of illustration and example only, is not intended to be taken by wayof limitation, and that other changes and modifications are possible.For example, the anchor components could be formed with snap in placeretainers (e.g., wire form retainers that snap into place on metal orplastic plate) or the anchor components could be produced using anovermold process (e.g., an overmold to connect retainers to a plasticplate or an overmold of the metal plate and retainer combination).

A variety of items can be supported on a wall by such anchor assemblies,including a hook, a clothing rack, a shadow box, a picture, a mirror, ashelf or an electronics device.

Moreover, while the embodiments shown above each a wall abutting anchorcomponent with a single outer anchor component connected thereto, it isrecognized that an elongated variation could have more anchorcomponents, as suggested by the anchor assembly 10G shown in FIGS.41-42. In the illustrated anchor assembly 10G, anchor component 11Gincludes an elongated base plate 14G includes two spaced apart wallpenetrating retainers 28G. Multiple anchor components 13G are pivotablyconnected to (or otherwise associated with) the base plate 14G,including two outer components 13G pivotably (with base plates 114G)connected toward the top of the base plate 14G and two components 13G′(with base plates 114G′) pivotably connected toward the bottom of thebase plate. The outer or forward anchor components include retainers128G and retainers 128G′. In this embodiment the install process wouldbe in 5 penetration stages, one penetration stage to move the retainersof base plate 14G into the wall as a first step, and four additionalpenetration stages, one for movement of the retainers of each otherplate into the wall. By adding additional outer plates, the overallloading on the anchor assembly (both normal to the wall and parallel tothe wall) can be increased. The base plate 114G includes side flanges160G than can be angled as described above. A level element 450 can alsobe incorporated into the anchor assembly as shown to facilitateachieving desired level install of the anchor assembly. Otherconfigurations with multiple outer plates are also possible, includingembodiments having only two outer plates, only three outer plates anddifferent variations of the orientation of the retainers on the outerplates.

What is claimed is: 1-71. (canceled)
 72. An anchor component for use inhanging an object on a wall, comprising: a base plate including a frontside facing forward, a back side facing rearward, retainer end and afree end and spaced apart first and second side edges extending betweenthe free end and the retainer end; a first wall penetrating retainerextending from the first side edge of the base plate proximate theretainer end and having first a wall penetrating extent with a curvedconfiguration, the first wall penetrating retainer being bent so as toturn rearwardly and place the first wall penetrating extent rearward ofthe back side of the base plate, wherein the curved configuration curvestoward the free end; a second wall penetrating retainer extending fromthe second side edge of the base plate proximate the retainer end andhaving second a wall penetrating extent with a curved configuration, thesecond wall penetrating retainer being bent so as to turn rearwardly andplace the second wall penetrating extent rearward of the back side ofthe base plate, wherein the curved configuration of the second wallpenetrating extent curves toward the free end.
 73. The anchor componentof claim 72, wherein the base plate includes a major portion and aportion that protrudes forwardly of the major portion.
 74. The anchorcomponent of claim 72, wherein each of the first wall penetrating extentand the second wall penetrating extent includes a major portion having athickness and a width, wherein the width is greater than the thickness,and wherein the thickness extends in a direction that runs from thefirst side edge to the second side edge of the base plate.
 75. Theanchor component of claim 72, wherein the base plate, the first wallpenetrating retainer and the second wall penetrating retainer are ofmonolithic configuration formed of a plate material that defines a platethickness; wherein each of the first wall penetrating extent and thesecond wall penetrating extent includes a major portion having athickness and width, wherein the thickness is the same as the platethickness, wherein the width is greater than the plate thickness;wherein the thickness of each of the first wall penetrating extent andthe second wall penetrating extent extends in a direction that runs fromthe first side edge to the second side edge of the base plate.
 76. Theanchor component of claim 72, wherein the base plate includes a majorportion, a forwardly protruding segment, and a lateral segment thatextends from the forwardly protruding segment.
 77. An anchor componentfor use in hanging an object on a wall, comprising: a base plateincluding a front side facing forward, a back side facing rearward, afree end, a retainer end and spaced apart first and second side edgesextending between the free end and the retainer end; a first wallpenetrating retainer extending from the first side edge of the baseplate proximate the retainer end and having a first wall penetratingextent with a curved configuration, the first wall penetrating retainerbeing bent such that the first wall penetrating extent protrudesrearwardly of the base plate and toward the free end; a second wallpenetrating retainer extending from the second side edge of the baseplate proximate the retainer end and having a second wall penetratingextent with a curved configuration, the second wall penetrating retainerbeing bent such that the second wall penetrating extent protrudesrearwardly of the base plate and toward the free end; wherein the anchorcomponent is of monolithic configuration formed of a plate materialhaving a plate thickness; wherein each of the first wall penetratingextent and the second wall penetrating extent includes a major portionhaving a thickness and a width, wherein the thickness of each of thefirst wall penetrating extent and the second wall penetrating extent isequal to the plate thickness, and wherein the width of each of the firstwall penetrating extent and the second wall penetrating extent isgreater than the thickness, wherein the thickness of each of the firstwall penetrating extent and the second wall penetrating extent extendsin a direction that runs from the first side edge to the second sideedge of the base plate.
 78. The anchor component of claim 77, whereinthe base plate includes a major portion, a forwardly protruding segment,and a lateral segment that extends from the forwardly protrudingsegment.
 79. An anchor component for use in hanging an object on a wall,comprising: a base plate including a front side facing forward, a backside facing rearward, a first end, a second end and spaced apart firstand second side edges extending between the first end and the secondend; a first wall penetrating retainer extending from the first sideedge of the base plate toward the second end and having a first wallpenetrating extent with a curved configuration, the first wallpenetrating retainer being bent such that the first wall penetratingextent protrudes rearwardly of the base plate and toward the first end;a second wall penetrating retainer extending from the second side edgeof the base plate toward the second end and having a second wallpenetrating extent with a curved configuration, the second wallpenetrating retainer being bent such that the second wall penetratingextent protrudes rearwardly of the base plate and toward the first end;wherein the base plate, the first wall penetrating retainer and thesecond wall penetrating retainer are of monolithic configuration formedof a plate material; wherein the plate material of each of the firstwall penetrating extent and the second wall penetrating extent includesa thickness, wherein the thickness of the plate material of each of thefirst wall penetrating extent and the second wall penetrating extentextends in a direction that runs from the first side edge to the secondside edge of the base plate.
 80. The anchor component of claim 79,wherein the base plate includes a major portion, a forwardly protrudingsegment, and a lateral segment that extends from the forwardlyprotruding segment.
 81. The anchor component of claim 79, wherein thebase plate includes a major portion and a portion that protrudesforwardly of the major portion.